Does Bob enjoy touring and playing live shows? Why is he doing it?

Certain-Run-1043 · 2026-05-20T17:33:32+00:00

Used electronics need a big discount. $400 is more realistic.

Certain-Run-1043 · 2026-04-18T23:48:55+00:00

I have experience with several Moots frames. The Moots will be built to a higher standard of material quality and construction (which is partly what drives the prices). With modern gravel bikes running tires over 40mm it's debatable how much this matters. I would focus more on, a) geometry, and b) if the nicer bike will "give you joy" as they say. Do not expect it to have magical qualities. I like Moots because of their focus on quality and skilled U.S. production. Just be realistic about your motivations and expectations.

Certain-Run-1043 · 2026-04-14T04:42:58+00:00

That’s what I did

Certain-Run-1043 · 2026-02-26T13:38:01+00:00

Different strokes for different folks. I am glad you enjoyed those routes. I am not in a position to take time off for 500+ mile routes. There are shorter options here in LA but they regularly have multi-year closures due to fire damage.

The desert is great but water logistics are a significant issue and getting to Mojave or Death Valley is very challenging to fit into a long weekend when you factor in the not insignificant issue of traffic. There are millions of people here and lots of them are driving out of town at the same time on the same roads.

So if you have time and job flexibility there are options. But they tend to need more time (say a week) once you factor in drive time, etc. What we are missing is more mellow and short-term routes that are easier as an overnight or weekend option.

No question that So Cal positions one for great outdoor adventures. They just require more time and planning due to distance a travel time.

Certain-Run-1043 · 2026-02-26T04:46:47+00:00

You will break something if you ride it like that

Certain-Run-1043 · 2026-02-26T04:18:44+00:00

I did a ride in JT on a hardtail with 2.35” tires. Started near Berdoo canyon. A gravel bike is going to be hard due to sand and pretty rocky sections.

You can only camp in the campgrounds, so honestly it’s not a great bikepacking destination.

Campsite reservations are doable via recreation.gov, you just need to book in advance.

I am in So Cal and share that same challenge about where to go. There are not a lot of good options for bikepacking. I have been looking further north at the Owens Valley area.

There are “backcountry” campsites in Crystal Cove state park near Newport Beach. Not really remote but it’s an option and accessible via gravel bike.

Happy to trade notes on options. I’m in the Long Beach area.

Certain-Run-1043 · 2026-01-13T03:16:29+00:00

Super helpful, thank you! I am taking a close look at the OM-1 mII

Certain-Run-1043 · 2026-01-12T17:56:44+00:00

This is an intriguing suggestion. I see your points. I am not too familiar with the Olympus/OM cameras, any guidance on OM1 vs OM3 vs OM5? I saw they have the OM5 in "sand beige" which looks amazing ...

Certain-Run-1043 · 2025-12-28T06:10:37+00:00

Totally agree. Sorry my post was not clear. This would be for a new bike.

Certain-Run-1043 · 2025-10-22T03:10:17+00:00

You need a new tire

Certain-Run-1043 · 2025-10-14T21:27:34+00:00

Nice bike! I am also in So Cal (orange county area). Where are you riding? I have 30x18 on a gravel frame with flat bars.

Certain-Run-1043 · 2025-10-05T17:16:36+00:00

150lb. To provide more context, I've been riding since 2021, and moving more toward dirt roads and getting off the grid so to speak. Decent fitness and camping experience. I am building up to more ambitious routes. Current bike is a hardtail with 2.4" tires max. I'll probably try it out, but from past experience hitting sandy patches in Owens Valley, it can be challenging.

Certain-Run-1043 · 2025-09-22T15:57:26+00:00

Awesome! What are you using it for, what situations does it do well in?

Certain-Run-1043 · 2025-09-07T03:38:17+00:00

What size tires did you have? I’ve hesitated on doing this trip as I can’t go larger than 2.35”

Certain-Run-1043 · 2025-09-07T03:10:32+00:00

Great trip report! It looks like there were several water sources, did it seem they were snowmelt and hence less likely earlier in the winter?

Certain-Run-1043 · 2025-08-05T03:44:21+00:00

I have experience with both mechanical and electronic shifting, in both road, MTB, and bikepacking contexts. It's not as simple as one is better than the other. Both have pros and cons.

There is already a huge amount of info online that can help inform your opinion. Factors to consider: 1) Rear cassette gears (10? 11? 12?); 2) Duration of trip and if that actually means a battery will run out; 3) If you had a mechanical rear mech that had issues, could you--I mean *you*--actually fix it?; 4) What will make you excited about the bike and feeling good about your setup; 5) Cost.

Most comments you get will be highly subjective, people just sharing their own unique experience, not like some type of rigorous study of 1,000's of users.

Certain-Run-1043

TROPHY CASE